j Brooks Painter i 2014 Winemaker of the Year! ~ page 2
Transcription
j Brooks Painter i 2014 Winemaker of the Year! ~ page 2
Castello di Amorosa N a pa Va l l e y j Brooks Painter i 2014 Winemaker of the Year! ~ page 2 also inside: New Castello Wine Offerings, Upcoming Events & More... Spring / Summer 2015 Newsletter KI LLK K News from Il Padrone L Brooks Painter wins Winemaker of the Year ’m pleased to announce that Director of Winemaking for Castello di Amorosa and V. Sattui Winery, Brooks Painter, was received a double gold medal. The 2012 Napa Valley Merlot also earned a double gold medal and the 2011 Il Passito won a gold medal. I’m so proud that our wines do so well in competitions and blind tastings. We really only enter a couple of competitions a year; the American Fine Wine Competition and the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition. Over the last several years, our wines have garnered 51 Best of Class, Double Gold or Gold awards in these competitions. selected Winemaker of the Year at the prestigious 8th annual American Fine Wine Competition. With over 300 winemakers in the running, only 3 were selected as Winemaker of the Year. Others included our neighbor, Rudy von Strasser of von Strasser Winery in Calistoga, and Bryan Kane of The Winery SF. Our wines scored well again this year from this competition of over 700 wines from across the United States, many from California. The 2012 Il Barone won a double gold medal, the third time in the last four vintages that it has P “The 2011 Il Barone is dark and powerful, with intense blackberry and red fruit aromas and a bouquet of spicy cedar and black licorice. The 2011 vintage produced easily accessible wines with soft tannins, and its plush and elegant texture in the mouth evolve in the glass, adding layers of complexity on the finish. We have received high praise for each vintage of our flagship Cabernet Sauvignon, including the 2012 vintage which just received Double Gold in the 2015 American Fine Wine Competition!” – Brooks Painter CastelloDiAmorosa.com Spring ❖ Summer 2015 LLK L K From the Cellar: Winemaking Team Favorites L Peter Velleno: La Castellana 2010 Laura Orzoco: Napa Valley Chardonnay 2013 “Our 2010 La Castellana is a Super Tuscan blend of Cabernet, Merlot, and Sangiovese, which bucks the tradition of red wine blends. There are no real rules in terms of the final blend, and that’s why Super Tuscans are a winemaker’s dream. They allow for complete creative freedom and really show the signature of the winemaker. I am proud to work with our winemaking team to craft each vintage of La Castellana, where an Italian-inspired bold red wine blend is interpreted through some of the finest grapes grown right here in the Napa Valley. I love pairing the 2010 La Castellana with cioppino, a rich and spicy seafood stew made famous in my hometown of San Francisco.” – Peter Velleno, Winemaker “The 2013 Napa Valley Chardonnay comes from our estate in Los Carneros, where seven acres are planted with Wente clone Chardonnay which produces small clusters with a high percentage of shot berries and results in a smaller yield. This clone exhibits big bright acidity with luscious fruit flavors. Our 2013 Napa Chardonnay was fermented in 50% new French oak with native yeast and a specific blend of yeast meant to enhance the fruit characteristics, producing a fruity wine with a nice creaminess and a touch of smokiness. I love enjoying this wine with smoked salmon and artichoke cream cheese roulade.” – Laura Orzoco, Winemaker David Bejar: Cabernet Sauvignon 2011 Jose Maria Delgado: Anderson Valley Pinot Noir 2013 “I spend more time and energy caring for the Cabernet Sauvignon vines than any other varietal. It is the last vine we prune in the winter and the last vine to ripen before harvests. And because we want to achieve optimum ripening, we’ll make 3-4 picking passes in the vineyard during harvest. It is intensive varietal to manage in the vineyard, but very rewarding when the final product, like this 2011 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, is an elegant, mellow wine. I really enjoy this wine with a nice steak, but my favorite pairing is with oysters and crab. It sounds crazy, but this Cab is soft and easy drinking; and works well with my palate that was developed in my hometown of Encinitas, Mexico.” – David Bejar, Vineyard Manager “Pinot Noir is a challenging varietal because it is very delicate, but the rewards of crafting such an elegant wine are definitely worth the challenge. I love the delicacy and versatility of Pinot Noir and how different the finished wines can be depending on where the fruit came from. One of my favorite growing regions for this variety is Mendocino County, where we have our estate vineyards for our 2013 Anderson Valley Pinot Noir. The 2013 vintage is an elegant wine, silky smooth on the palate with bright acidity that makes it incredibly food friendly. I love pairing this Pinot Noir with grilled pork, since it is a leaner meat that compliments the higher acidity of the wine.” – JoseMaria Delgado, Cellar Master CastelloDiAmorosa.com Spring ❖ Summer 2015 K K Castello Offerings & New Releases L Vini Bianchi e Rosato ~ White Wines & Rosé 2013 Pinot Grigio ~ $21 LK Palate: Silky and mouth-filling, with intense flavors of tropical fruit, peach, and hazelnut and a creamy, lingering finish. Food Pairings: Perfect with herb-roasted chicken, rich seafood dishes, and cream-based sauces. Varietal: 100% Pinot Grigio from Mendocino County. Aging process: Stainless Steel Tank Aroma: Fruity, bright orange/citrus and green apple aromas with rich honeydew melon and tangy, lemony overtones. Palate: The wine has a crisp and refreshing acidity, bursting with bright, juicy fruit flavors. Food Pairings: Great with mild cheeses, seafood, and fresh salads containing ripe fruits such as cantaloupe, pears and apple/walnut. 2014 GewÜrztraminer ~ $25 *New Release* Varietal: 100% Gewürztraminer from Mendocino County Aging process: Stainless Steel Tank Aroma: Spicy notes of lychee and cloves, with delicate rose petals and apricot. Palate: Concentrated fruit flavors of delicate, ripe pear and mild Asian spices, balanced by a supple acidity and a spicy finish. Food Pairings: This wine’s spicy finish makes it a perfect match for Asian cuisine, spicy dishes, and cured, smoked meats. 2014 Pinot Bianco ~ $26 *New Release* Varietal: 100% Pinot Bianco from Sonoma County Aging Process: Stainless Steel Tank Aroma: Almonds, bananas, and tropical fruits. Palate: A bright and crisp dry white wine with light to medium body, displays a lively “purity of fruit” with delicate flavors of apple and grapefruit, and an excellent length in the finish. Food Pairings: Perfect with fish, shellfish, and Chinese food. A great picnic or sipping wine! 2014 “Gioia” Rosato di Sangiovese ~ $24 *New Release* Varietal: 100% Sangiovese Aging Process: Stainless Steel Tank Aroma: Bright notes of strawberry, framboise, and Red Delicious apple. Palate: This Italian-style dry rosé presents fresh summer strawberry and cranberry notes, with a refreshingly firm acidity and a creamy texture in the finish. Food Pairings: An elegant picnic wine to serve with fresh fruit and prosciutto, or salmon stuffed in herbs and butter. 2013 Napa Valley Chardonnay ~ $29 Gold Medal – 2015 SF Chronicle Wine Competition Varietal: 100% Chardonnay from vineyards south of Napa. Go ld Medal Aging process: 100% fermented in French Oak barrels, 50% new. Aged “sur lie” for 10 months. Aroma: A beautiful bouquet opens with aromas of ripe citrus, pear and melon with hints of pineapple, cinnamon and vanilla. Palate: Creamy vanilla texture framed with toasty oak. Initially supple and round followed by tropical fruit flavors with harmonious balanced acidity. Food Pairings: Dungeness Crab, shellfish, salmon, and fine Italian seafood dishes with rich sauces. Gold 2012 Bien Nacido Vineyards Medal $ Reserve Chardonnay~ 38 2014 “Dolcino” (A little sweet) Gewürztraminer ~ $25 *New Release* Varietal: 100% Gewürztraminer from Mendocino County. Aging Process: Stainless Steel Tank Aroma: Complex and spicy aromas of hazelnut, honey, cinnamon, with a touch of floral and honeysuckle notes. Palate: Extremely round and lush, slightly sweet with a great mouthfeel packed with flavors of ripe peach, green apple, and a crisp, balanced acidy. Food Pairings: A delicate wine perfect to pair with lighter fare and spicy foods. Also makes a great sipping wine. Gold Medal – 2014 SF Chronicle Wine Competition Varietal: 100% Chardonnay from Bien Nacido Vineyards located in the Santa Maria Valley in Santa Barbara County. Aging process: 100% fermented in French Oak barrels, 50% new. Aged “sur lie” for 10 months. 20% malolactic fermentation. Aroma: Notes of tangerine and orange blossom, pear, fig, and honeydew melon with a creamy, toasty oak bouquet. SAVE! 10% off Cases (12 bottles) or more (mix-n-match) Save an Extra 5% on Case Orders use code: “NEWSLETTER” at checkout (expires 7-14-15) This offer can not be combined with other offers. Our wines are available only at Castello di Amorosa, online or via phone order: 707-967-6274. Prices and vintages subject to change. CastelloDiAmorosa.com Spring ❖ Summer 2015 LK K Castello Offerings & New Releases L Vini Rossi ~ Red Wines 2013 Anderson Valley Reserve Pinot Noir ~ $69 *New Release* Varietal: 100% Pinot Noir Aging Process: 10 months in Burgundian oak barrels Aroma: Smokey and floral, with notes of red cherry and raspberry Palate: Blended from five different Pinot Noir clones from our estate vineyard in Anderson Valley, with each clone imparting subtle nuances and balance to the finished blend. Fresh berries and red fruits mingle with bright acidity through to a lively finish. Food Pairings: Pairs beautifully with everything from poultry to lean red meats. L 2010 “Il Brigante” (the Thief) ~ $35 Varietal: 42% Merlot, 27% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Petit Verdot, 13% Zinfandel, 11% Sangiovese Aging Process: 18 month in French oak barrels Aroma: Aromas of red currant and black cherry with a touch of earthy, cured meats. Palate: Wild berry flavors mingle with toasty oak, finishing with moderate, well-integrated tannins. Can be cellared up to ten years. Food Pairings: Pairs with beef roast in a red wine sauce, and roasted vegetable dishes. 2011 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon ~ $49 Gold Gold Medal – SF Chronicle Competition Medal Varietal: 91% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Petit Verdot, 2% Malbec, 1% Merlot Aging Process: 21 months in French oak barrels Aroma: Layered aromas eucalyptus, sage, and green olive with a spicy touch of cigar box. Palate: A lean and elegant Cabernet with plush fruit, juicy berries, and mocha just under the surface of young tannins. The higher acidity of this 2011 vintage makes it a perfect food wine. Food Pairings: Excellent with red meats, grilled vegetables, and well-sauced dishes. 2012 “Zingaro” (the Gypsy) Old Vine Zinfandel ~ $35 *New Release* Varietal: 95% Zinfandel, 5% Primitivo Aging Process: 18 months in French oak barrels Aroma: Zesty with briary black cherry and fresh pine aromas. Palate: A cool climate Zinfandel from Russian River Valley in Sonoma County made in the style of Italian Primitivo. This wine exhibits balanced acidity, red and black berries, and lively tannins with a peppery finish. Food Pairings: Perfect with grilled meats, creamy pastas, and robust cheeses. 2011 Napa Valley Sangiovese ~ $29 Varietal: 96% Sangiovese, 4% Merlot Aging Process: 18 months in French oak barrels Aroma: Notes of dried flowers and red plum, framed by supple, toasty oak. Palate: This medium-bodied wine shows excellent balance between acidity and ripe cranberry/pomegranate flavors, finishing with fine, textured tannins. Food Pairings: A classic Italian varietal to pair with lasagna and grilled meats. Double 2012 Napa Valley Merlot ~ $39 Gold *New Release* 2011 “La Castellana” Super Tuscan Blend ~ $ 95 92 pts – Robert Parker 92 pts Varietal: 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, 5% Sangiovese Aging Process: 20 months in French oak barrels Aroma: A rich bouquet of dark red fruits, spice and a hint of leather. Palate: A bold yet silky blend with dark fruits and earthy notes. Deep flavors of dark cherry and supple tannins lead to a long, rich finish. Capable of long-term aging. Food Pairings: Perfect with lamb, steak, or pappardelle with wild boar (Dario’s favorite dish) 2011 “Il Barone” Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon ~ $95 Varietal: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley. Aging Process: 20 months in French oak barrels Aroma: Lush floral and savory aromas of plum and sweet dark cherries. Palate: A powerfully elegant wine with notes of dark fruit and cocoa, and undertones of cedar and earth. Bold tannins with bright floral notes lead to a beautifully delineated finish. Excellent long-term aging potential. Food Pairings: Pair with bold dishes such as grass-fed steak, or grilled Portobello mushrooms. Double Gold Medal – American Fine Wine Competition Varietal: 100% Merlot Aging Process: 18 months in French oak barrels Aroma: Aromas of leather and earth blend mingle with mocha and black cherries. Palate: A medium-bodied red with excellent balance and concentration of fruit accompanied by soft, well-integrated tannins and a smooth, dark chocolate finish. Food Pairings: Perfect with most meat-based dishes, as well as cheese-filled pastas. Our wines are available only at Castello di Amorosa, online or via phone order: 707-967-6274. Prices and vintages subject to change. CastelloDiAmorosa.com Spring ❖ Summer 2015 K LK K Castello Offerings—Specialty & Sweet Wines L Vini Dolci - Specialty and Sweet Wines 2014 Muscato “Il Raggio del Sole” ~ $29 *New Release* 2014 “La Fantasia” ~ $30 *New Release* Varietal: 100% Muscat Canelli Aging Process: Stainless steel tank Aging Process: Stainless steel tank, carbonated from natural yeast fermentation Aroma: Floral notes of honeysuckle and hibiscus, with bright stone fruit. Aroma: Bright aromas of cherry, exotic flowers and wild berries. Palate: A refreshing and delicate sweet wine with notes of ripe peach and orange-peel, balanced with crisp acidity and a lively “spritzy” finish. Palate: An Italian frizzante (soft sparkling) rosé, packed with notes of fresh berries and plum, leading to a refreshing, round finish. Food Pairings: Perfect with light cheeses or fresh fruits. Food Pairings: A perfect wine for special occasions, with fresh fruit, or sorbetto. Varietal: Proprietary blend based on 54% Gamay from Napa Valley 2014 “Simpatica” ~ $29 *New Release* 2013 Late Harvest Gewürztraminer ~ $45 *New Release* Best of Best of Class – 2015 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Class Competition Varietal: 79% White Riesling, 21% Muscat Canelli Aging Process: Stainless steel tank Aroma: Citrus nuances mingle with exotic notes of jungle gardenia, honeysuckle, and hibiscus. Varietal: 100% Gewürztraminer from Anderson Valley, in Mendocino County Palate: Lush flavors of ripe white peach and apricot mingle with a delicate sweetness and refreshing acidity. Aging Process: Stainless steel tank Food Pairings: Enjoy with warm pastries or fresh fruits and cheese. Aroma: Complex aromas of apricot and honey from the noble rot “Botrytis Cinera” mingle with honeysuckle and rose petals. Find great pairing tips & recipes at: www.castellodiamorosa.com/Visit-Us/ Wine-and-Food-Pairing Palate: Luscious and rich on the palate, this sweet late harvest wine presents honeyed notes and a balanced finish. Food Pairings: Ideal with chocolate torte, crème brulee, or baked fruit with artisanal cheeses. 2010 “Il Passito” Reserve Late Harvest Double Semillon ~ $89 Double Gold Medal – Gold 2014 San Francisco International Wine Competition Varietal: 63% Sauvignon Blanc, 37% Semillon Aging Process: Barrel-fermented and aged for 19 months in 100% new French oak barrels Aroma: Honey, sweet vanilla, apricot nectar, and fragrant flowers. Palate: This Sauterne-style dessert wine offers notes of honey, peach, and apricot flavors complimented by toasty notes, with a long and lingering finish. Food Pairings: A great after-dinner sipping wine perfect with bleu cheese, as well as seasonal fresh fruit desserts. 10% off Cases (12 bottles) or more (mix-n-match) Save an Extra 5% on Case Orders SAVE! use code: “NEWSLETTER” at checkout (expires 7-14-15) This offer can not be combined with other offers. Our wines are available only at Castello di Amorosa, online or via phone order. Prices and vintages subject to change. www.castellodiamorosa.com ❖ 707-967-6274 CastelloDiAmorosa.com Spring ❖ Summer 2015 LK K Great Wines for your Cellar L Our Wines are only Available at Castello di Amorosa. Chardonnay — Napa Valley 2008 Magnum 2009 Magnum 2010 Magnum 2011 Magnum $95/bottle $75/bottle $75/bottle $75/bottle Chardonnay — Bien Nacido 2008 Magnum 2009 Magnum 2010 Magnum 2011 Magnum $115/bottle $95/bottle $95/bottle $95/bottle Merlot, Napa Valley, 2006 Voted # 1 in Blind Tasting by Napa Valley Vintner’s Tasting $65/bottle 2006 Magnum 2007 Magnum 2008 Magnum 2009 Magnum Il Barone Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2003 750 mL Bottle SOLD OUT 2004 750 mL Bottle SOLD OUT 2005 750 mL Bottle (LIMIT – 1) $175/bottle 2006 750 mL Bottle (LIMIT – 1) $155/bottle 2007 750 mL Bottle (94 Points, Robert Parker) SOLD OUT 2008 750 mL Bottle SOLD OUT 2009 750 mL Bottle (94 Points, Wine Enthusiast) SOLD OUT 2010 750 mL Bottle (94 Points, Wine Enthusiast) $125/bottle 2006 Magnum $345/bottle 2007 Magnum SOLD OUT 2008 Magnum $375/bottle 2009 Magnum $395/bottle 2010 Magnum $345/bottle 2010 3-Liter (in wooden box) $890/bottle 2011 3-Liter (in wooden box) $790/bottle 2010 6-Liter SOLD OUT 2011 6-Liter (in wooden box) $1390/bottle 2010 9-Liter SOLD OUT 2011 9-Liter (in wooden box) $2000/bottle 2010 12-Liter (in wooden box) $3100/bottle Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley 2003 750 mL Bottle $79/bottle 2004 750 mL Bottle $75/bottle 2005 750 mL Bottle $75/bottle 2006 750 mL Bottle $75/bottle 2007 750 mL Bottle SOLD OUT 2008 750 mL Bottle $70/bottle 2009 750 mL Bottle $70/bottle 2006 Magnum $175/bottle 2007 Magnum $195/bottle 2008 Magnum $195/bottle 2009 Magnum $195/bottle Il Passito, Late Harvest Semillon 2006 500 mL Bottle $145/bottle 2009 500 mL Bottle $125/bottle La Castellana, Napa Valley, Super Tuscan Blend 2003 750 mL Bottle 2004 750 mL Bottle 2005 750 mL Bottle 2006 750 mL Bottle 2007 750 mL Bottle 92 Points, Robert Parker 2008 750 mL Bottle 2009 750 mL Bottle L $245/bottle $265/bottle $265/bottle $265/bottle Exclusive Vertical Selections in Wooden Collectors Box La Castellana, Napa Valley, the Super Tuscan Blend 2003-2008 – 6 Bottles total $990 $165/bottle $155/bottle $155/bottle $115/bottle $115/bottle Il Barone, Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2003-2009 – 7 Bottles total $1950 Discounts are not offered on cellar selections. Limited quantities available. $105/bottle $105/bottle Prices and vintages subject to change. Not available for tasting. Our wines are available only at Castello di Amorosa, online or via phone order. 707-967-6274. CastelloDiAmorosa.com Spring ❖ Summer 2015 K LK photo credit: Karen Hutton K Barrel Tasting 2013 & 2014 Vintage Futures L O n Saturday, May 2, we will be opening our cellar doors and welcoming Wine Club members and guests to The wine while it is still young, imagine how amazing the finished product will be! Here is what Brooks Painter has to say about the 2013 and 2014 vintage wines we will be “thieving” from the barrels at the Grand Barrel Party: “Both 2013 and 2014 were stunning vintages that produced absolutely remarkable wines—possibly even better than the magnificent 2012 ‘nearly perfect’ wines. Both growing seasons were dry with early ripening, which brought the fruit to full maturity while avoiding fall rains. The temperatures during the 2013 and 2014 vintages were on the cool side which retained excellent acidity and wonderful aging potential. The 2013 reds are complex and full-bodied, classic Napa Valley style. The 2014 Chardonnay is fruit forward and buttery, and the 2014 Pinot Noirs are also incredible, especially the color intensity and lavishly rich flavors in the mouth.” We are looking forward to seeing everyone at The Grand Barrel Party, and tasting through these great vintages before they are bottled! Grand Barrel Party, our second annual barrel tasting and futures release party taking place in our beautiful 12,000 sq ft Grand Barrel Room three levels beneath the Castello. Over 40 Castello wines from the past, present, and future will be available for tasting that evening, including a wide variety of wines from the 2013 and 2014 vintages that are still in the barrel, giving guests the opportunity to purchase these wines by the case as futures. Futures are wines that are purchased while still in the barrel, and are a fantastic investment when looking to stock your cellars with high-quality wines at a discounted price. When futures are purchased, the wines are received three years from the vintage date; for example, if you purchase a case of 2013 Il Barone Cabernet Sauvignon, you will receive your wines in April of 2016. Barrel tasting is a great opportunity to try these beautiful wines before they are bottled and taste their potential; if you love the CastelloDiAmorosa.com Spring ❖ Summer 2015 LK K Upcoming Wine Club Events L Hot Havana Nights A Sultry Summer Evening Under the Stars Friday, August 21, 2015 L Grab your dancing shoes and fedoras and join us for our annual salsa and cigar party on Friday, August 21st, where our our acoustically-inspired courtyard will come alive with the sounds of spicy Latin beats, and the scintillating smells of savory Cuban cuisine, hand-rolled cigars, and Castello wines. The festivities begin at 7:00pm and last until 11:00pm, and features live music, dancing, a cigar lounge, Cuban cuisine, and of course, our food-friendly wines! Complimentary shuttles are also available to downtown Calistoga. Cost is $125 for our Wine Club members and $155 for guests. We hope to see you there! ji The Grand Barrel Party Saturday, May 2, 2015 Harvest Celebration & Grape Stomp Competition Saturday, September 19, 2015 Midsummer Medieval Festival Saturday, June 2o, 2015 The Pagan Ball Saturday, October 31, 2015 Tickets Selling Fast – Book Now! Concerto di Castello Saturday, July 18, 2015 New Year’s Eve Masquerade Ball Thursday, December 31, 2015 For Tickets & Information on all Wine Club Events, Please Visit our Web Site or Call the Wine Club: 707-967-6274 ji Festival del Sole Performances Opening Night with Joyce diDonato & Jake Heggie – Friday, July 17 Opening Night Special offer for Wine Club Members: Enter code CASTELLO at checkout for 15% off www.festivaldelsole.org CastelloDiAmorosa.com Moscow Nights with Dmitri Hvorostovsky and the Russian National Orchestra – Wednesday, July 22 An Evening of Jazz – Thursday, July 23 Spring ❖ Summer 2015 K K Under Construction L LK Storing wine for the ages Every great wine deserves to be cellared properly to preserve it for the ages. Several months ago, we started the planning phase of a new 1,000 square foot cellar in the existing wine caves that were built in early 1990’s. This will be the new home for our top tier wines, including Il Barone and La Castellana, as well as our lineup of limited production, single vineyard Cabernet Sauvignons from the Don Thomas, Melanson, Butala, Rahn, Diamond Mountain District, and Morisoli-Borges vineyards. Fine wine cellar under construction. Red floor for red wines We had a little downtime in the winemaking cycle which we used to install new floors in the white and red wine fermentation rooms. A beautiful red color, the new floors have a non-skid surface and are very easy to keep clean. Cleanliness keeps our winemaking team happy and the new floors should be a nice surprise for our guests. CastelloDiAmorosa.com 10 Spring ❖ Summer 2015 LKO K A Perfect Merlot Pairing L n a palate chart Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot L these vineyard sites produced a plush, layered and elegant wine. Merlot is typically more approachable than Cabernet Sauvignon and more versatile with food – slow cooked red wine braised short ribs, Sunday pot roast or enjoy with a bacon bleu cheese burger. On the Royal Food and Wine Pairing at the Castello, I feature our Merlot paired with one of my favorite cheeses, Piave Vecchio, an Italian cheese similar to Parmesan Reggiano. To complement the saltiness of this cheese I give it a drizzle of a viscous Balsamic reduction to add a bit of textural sweetness. The high notes of the Merlot are accented perfectly! Salute! — Mary Davidek are kissing cousins and can be quite easily confused. If you want to have some fun, invite a few wine-loving friends for a blindtasting featuring Cabernet and Merlot. Castello’s Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon vs. Castello’s 2012 Napa Valley Merlot would be a well matched duo. Put these beauties in the lineup and even in the presence of experienced palates, I predict a dead heat! But my perfect pairing features our 2012 Napa Valley Merlot. Intoxicating aromatics of sweet cherry and bittersweet cocoa lead to a sweet caress on the palate of smoky plum and late summer blackberry. For the highly anticipated 2012 vintage, winemaker Brooks Painter blended Merlot fruit from vineyards near the cooler-climate, south end of the Napa Valley with Merlot grown around the Castello. This blend of fruit from Mary’s Balsamic Vinegar Reduction Reducing balsamic vinegar is a great way to add richness, texture, and sweetness to savories and desserts. To make your own balsamic reduction, simply pour 20 oz. of good quality balsamic vinegar (such as the Castello’s own balsamic) into a large sauté pan. Start at medium heat stirring occasionally, increasing stirring as it thickens. Do not overheat the balsamic to the point of simmering or boiling; maintaining the target temp at a constant 190°. 68 ounces will reduce to approximately 15 oz. in roughly one hour. Store in the fridge in a squeeze-bottle and it will become thicker and more viscous over time. Great for drizzling over caprese salads, sharp cheeses, roasted chicken, and fresh berries. As my grandmother said, “alla gioccia”... good to the last drop! For more inspiration, check out our Food and Wine Blog at: www.castellodiamorosa.com/blog CastelloDiAmorosa.com 11 Spring ❖ Summer 2015 Castello di Amorosa 4045 Saint Helena Highway Calistoga, California 94515 Highly acclaimed classical violinist, Joshua Bell with Castello owner, Dario Sattui. 10 of the best days of your life Concerts at Castello di Amorosa 7/17, 22 & 23 www.festivaldelsole.org Ordering Castello Wines As an artisanal winery, the production of many wines is quite limited. We encourage you to order your favorite wines soon so as not to be disappointed. To place an order, call us at: 707.967.6274 Order 7 days a week, 9:30 am to 5:30 pm or order online at www.castellodiamorosa.com* Minimum shipment is 6 bottles. Full cases of 12 bottles, mixed any way you like, are eligible for a 10 % discount. Castello di AMorosa CastellodiAmorosa.com SAVE BY SHIPPING TO A COMMERCIAL ADDRESS *Prices and vintages subject to change @TheCastello Keep in Touch: Check In: Castello di Amorosa